How does Benadryl allergy relief plus decongestant work?

Acrivastine works by preventing the actions of histamine - a substance produced by the body when it reacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen or pet fur (these are known as allergens). Histamine causes a chain reaction that results in allergic symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing and a runny nose. Acrivastine blocks histamine receptors and so stops this chain reaction.

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Pseudoephedrine works by acting on alpha receptors found in the walls of blood vessels in the linings of the nasal passages and sinuses. It causes these blood vessels to contract and narrow, thereby decreasing blood flow into the linings of the nose and sinuses. This reduces the feeling of congestion and also reduces the production of mucus. It relieves a blocked nose caused by the allergic reaction.

What should I know before taking Benadryl allergy relief plus decongestant?

Although acrivastine is a non-sedating antihistamine, occasionally some people may find it makes them slightly sleepy. Make sure you know how this medicine affects you before doing potentially hazardous activities such as driving or riding bikes. If you do find this medicine makes you sleepy you should avoid drinking alcohol or using other medicines that cause drowsiness with it, as this could make any sleepiness or reduced alertness worse.

If you are due to have any skin prick tests to diagnose allergies you should stop taking your antihistamines at least 48 hours before the tests. This is because antihistamines can prevent or lessen the skin reactions that indicate an allergy, and so can make the test results unreliable.

Can I take Benadryl allergy relief plus decongestant while pregnant or breastfeeding?

This medicine is not usually recommended for use by women who are pregnant. The safety of pseudoephedrine and acrivastine for use during pregnancy has not been established. Some studies have suggested that use of pseudoephedrine in the first trimester may be associated with defective closure of the abdominal wall (gastroschisis) in the baby. Get further medical advice from your doctor, pharmacist or midwife.

It is not known if acrivastine passes into breast milk. Small amounts of pseudoephedrine pass into breast milk. The amount is probably too small to be harmful to a nursing infant. However, when taken by mouth, decongestants such as pseudoephedrine can temporarily decrease the production of breast milk with just one or two doses. For these reasons, this medicine is best avoided by mothers who are breastfeeding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

What are the possible side effects of Benadryl allergy relief plus decongestant?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Feeling sick or vomiting.

Headache.

Increased heart rate.

Increased blood pressure.

Dizziness.

Dry mouth.

Anxiety.

Difficulty passing urine.

Skin rash.

Disturbed sleep.

False perceptions of things that are not really there (hallucinations - rarely).

Read the leaflet provided with the medicine or talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of Benadryl allergy relief plus decongestant. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the yellow card website?

Can I take Benadryl allergy relief plus decongestant with other medicines?

If you are already taking any other medicines you should check with your doctor or pharmacist before using this one as well, to make sure that thecombination is safe.

You should not use other decongestant medicines in combination with this one.

You should not use this medicine if you are currently taking a type of medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or have taken one of these medicines in the last 14 days. MAOIs include the antidepressants phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid and moclobemide, and the anti-Parkinson's medicines selegiline and rasagiline. This is because the combination of pseudoephedrine with these medicines could cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis).

If pseudoephedrine is taken with any of the following medicines, the combination may cause an increase in blood pressure. If you are already taking any of these medicines you should avoid taking this one as well:

other decongestants (often found in other non-prescription cough and cold remedies)

the antibiotic linezolid

tricyclic antidepressants, eg amitriptyline.

Pseudoephedrine may reduce the effects of medicines to treat high blood pressure (antihypertensives). If you are taking medicines for high blood pressure you should not take this medicine unless your doctor agrees.

Acrivastine may oppose the effect of histamine (used to treat leukaemia) and is not recommended for people having this treatment.

Acrivastine may also oppose the effect of betahistine (used to treat Ménière's disease).

Other medicines containing the acrivastine and pseudoephedrine

There are currently no other medicines available in the UK that contain both acrivastine and pseudoephedrine as the active ingredients.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.